89: The curtain falls

As this astonishing sword strike from the Sword God landed, the thrilling Platform battle finally came to an end.

The only flaw was that Qi Tian's soul was not completely eradicated.

Thanks to the desperate resistance of the remnant soul of the demon saint, he narrowly escaped with a few wisps of his soul remaining.

The Empire God of War, quick-witted, collected these few wisps of remnant soul.

Ji Mo stood quietly on the Platform, his expression gradually returning to calm, without the slightest hint of self-satisfaction after slaying a powerful enemy.

After all, in his heart, this was merely a small step towards a higher goal.

Ji Mo's ambition was to conquer the vast, boundless, and challenging Endless Sea Region.

The entire venue was silent, all eyes fixed on Ji Mo, filled with admiration.

After all, that world-shaking sword strike just now was too terrifying. The Void Shattering Realm experts present all knew that without certain life-saving measures, facing this sword, they would likely be doomed.

The magnates present instantly became active, discreetly inquiring about Ji Mo's background.

Among them were many well-intentioned individuals who intended to recruit Ji Mo to add a fierce general to their forces;

Meanwhile, some spies from enemy nations or those with a grudge against Ji Mo secretly plotted how to find an opportunity to eliminate this potential future threat.

After a long while, the Old Eunuch broke the silence, announcing in a high-pitched voice:

"The semi-finals have ended. The finals will commence in one hour. Contestants, please adjust your condition quickly."

One hour passed in a flash, and Ji Mo and Fairy Yueying were teleported onto the Platform.

Ji Mo looked up at Fairy Yueying before him and had to admit that her beauty indeed made him lose himself for a moment.

However, on the path to victory, if anyone dared to obstruct him, he would mercilessly slay them.

"Ji Mo, your strength is truly too great. I've always admired you and hope to befriend you. Therefore, I concede."

Moon Shadow looked at Ji Mo, her eyes showing a hint of adoration.

On the stage, the Sect Master of the Jade Maiden Sect also showed an expression of approval.

She understood in her heart that Ji Mo and Fairy Yueying were not on the same level, and sending Moon Shadow up to die in vain would be too foolish.

Everyone present showed expressions of agreement. The outcome of this final was without suspense; Ji Mo undeniably claimed the championship of this competition.

The Old Eunuch turned to face His Majesty the Emperor in the audience, bowed slightly, and respectfully said:

"Your Majesty, in this Martial Arts Gathering, Ji Mo from the Peerless Sect triumphed all the way and won first place. Please Your Majesty, make the announcement."

"Second place goes to Qi Tian of Shenwu Sect, and third place goes to Moon Shadow of Jade Maiden Sect."

In reality, the Emperor's heart was already churning like a stormy sea.

Although the time he spent observing Ji Mo was brief, he could confirm that Ji Mo's Physical Body indeed showed no signs of Bloodline Legacy, possessing only an ordinary Bloodline.

But when he tried to investigate further, he was forcibly interrupted by a powerful Mental Energy.

This Mental Energy subtly exuded the majesty of a superior, filling him with fear.

The Emperor secretly mused, 'Forget it, it seems this Ji Mo must have a peerless expert backing him. He is truly not someone to provoke.'

"The champion of this team competition is Shenwu Sect.

Now, everyone, please proceed to the Heavenly Dragon Grand Hall to receive the rewards for this competition."

No sooner had he spoken than a soft yet powerful Holy Light enveloped them. Everyone felt a flash of light before their eyes, and the original group returned to the Heavenly Dragon Grand Hall.

Above the grand hall, the Emperor was already seated firmly on the Dragon Throne, displaying his imperial majesty.

The Empress and a group of Consorts sat on either side, while the Princes and princesses stood respectfully below the Emperor. The multitude of officials, like stars surrounding the moon, neatly guarded the Emperor's side.

"Ji Mo! You are truly the biggest dark horse of this competition, rising overnight from obscurity to become the leading figure of the younger generation in my Heavenly Dragon Empire!

This first place, you truly deserve it!"

The Emperor said with a solemn expression and piercing eyes.

Immediately, the Emperor waved his hand, and a pile of Spirit Stones suddenly appeared suspended in mid-air within the palace.

Pure energy fluctuations rippled outwards, emitting dazzling brilliance and precious light, instantly illuminating the entire grand hall.

In an instant, everyone in the grand hall, including the Sect Masters of the Eight Sects, couldn't help but hold their breath, their eyes filled with awe and envy.

Ji Mo glanced over, and a burning light instantly ignited in his eyes.

Before him, three neat rows of Spirit Stones floated, of excellent quality.

The first row consisted of 100 Advanced Spirit Stones, each exuding a rich and mellow Spiritual Qi, as if containing endless energy;

The second row contained 1,000 Intermediate Spirit Stones. Although their Spiritual Qi was slightly inferior to Advanced Spirit Stones, their large number still constituted a considerable fortune;

The third row comprised 10,000 Low-grade Spirit Stones, sparkling like myriad stars.

In addition, there were 5 drops of millennium stalactite, which were extremely rare Heaven And Earth Treasure. Each drop contained boundless vitality and mysterious power.

This was undoubtedly a coveted treasure, and the participating Disciples present were all red-eyed with envy.

Especially Qi Tian, whose heart surged with hatred like a tide.

If not for Ji Mo, all of this would have been his.

Although he also took third place, compared to Ji Mo's rewards, it was a world of difference.

"Ji Mo, tomorrow, I will arrange for you to enter the Imperial Treasure Pavilion, where you may select one Martial Skill Secret Manual. Additionally, you will be granted one Innate Treasure Armor and one Innate Weapon.

Furthermore, I bestow upon you a palace within the Imperial Immortal Holy Land. The name of this palace shall be Peerless Hall!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the generous rewards."

Ji Mo quickly and respectfully expressed his gratitude.

Next, it was time to bestow awards upon Moon Shadow and Qi Tian.

The number of Spirit Stones and millennium stalactite they received was much less than Ji Mo's, and they also did not qualify to enter the Imperial Archives to select Secret Manuals, Innate Treasure Armor, or Innate Weapons.

Subsequently, the Emperor also conferred official positions upon the three, thus formally establishing their connection with the Imperial Family.

"My beloved ministers, now, I shall speak of another reward for this competition—the team reward, which is the allocation of spots to enter the 'Ancient Secret Realm'."

Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze instantly focused on the Emperor.

The Ancient Secret Realm, that was the most mysterious and bountiful Trial Grounds controlled by the Heavenly Dragon Empire's royalty.

It contained endless secrets, profound Luck, and countless Treasure Troves, and had always been a coveted Holy Land for Cultivation.

"I have received a notification that the Ancient Secret Realm is about to open!

It will officially open in 20 days!

However, this time, the number of spots available to enter the Ancient Secret Realm for trial is much less than before, with only 50 in total!

Now, I shall allocate these 50 precious spots!"

The Emperor's expression became exceptionally serious, and a burning light subtly flickered in his eyes.